Amalfi Coast 2026: Complete Guide to Italy’s Most Beautiful Coast

Top destinations

• Positano: instagram-famous cliffside. Pastel houses cascading to sea. Fashion (Made in Positano). €30/sun bed beach.
• Amalfi: namesake town. Cathedral (Sant’Andrea) + Cloister. Paper Museum (Amalfi paper UNESCO heritage).
• Ravello: high above Amalfi. Villa Cimbrone (terrace of infinity), Villa Rufolo. Wagner inspired here. Concert series July.
• Sorrento: gateway city north. Marina, lemon groves, Ferragamo lemon-printed scarves. Less expensive than Amalfi villages.
• Capri: island. Ferry from Sorrento (35 min) or Positano (40 min). Anacapri (higher), Marina Grande, Faraglioni rocks, Blue Grotto.
• Vietri sul Mare: ceramic capital. Eastern end of Amalfi Coast.
• Conca dei Marini: small village, Sfogliatella Santa Rosa pastry origin.
• Praiano: quieter alternative to Positano. Stunning sunset views.

How to get around

• SITA bus: Sorrento → Positano → Amalfi. €5 each leg. Crowded summer.
• Ferries: connect coastal villages. Sorrento → Positano 35 min, €18. Positano → Amalfi 25 min. Capri → Positano 40 min.
• Driving: challenging — narrow, twisty, expensive parking. Don’t attempt unless experienced.
• Walking: Sentiero degli Dei (Path of Gods) 7.5 km Bomerano-Nocelle. 4 hours. Spectacular.
• Tour packages: all-day buses + ferry tours from Naples/Sorrento. €60-120.

Top experiences

• Sentiero degli Dei (Path of Gods): iconic hike. 7.5 km. 4 hours. €0 (no permit).
• Boat tour Capri: Blue Grotto + Faraglioni. €20 boat tour + €18 Blue Grotto entry.
• Villa Cimbrone (Ravello): “Terrace of Infinity” — most photographed view in Amalfi.
• Villa Rufolo (Ravello): Wagner Festival July.
• Limoncello tour: Sorrento Lemon Grove tour, taste-and-make session.
• Diving + snorkeling: clear Mediterranean water.
• Cooking class: learn pasta, mozzarella, limoncello in Sorrento.
• Sunset Positano: beach (Marina Grande) cocktail.

Cuisine

• Limoncello: lemon liqueur. Sorrento + Amalfi tradition. After-dinner.
• Pasta al limone: creamy lemon pasta, refreshing.
• Sfogliatella: Conca dei Marini ricotta-stuffed shell pastry.
• Caprese: mozzarella di bufala + tomato + basil = Italian flag colors. Capri origin.
• Pesce: seafood — orata (sea bream), polpo (octopus), gambas.
• Babà: rum-soaked sponge.
• Limone di Sorrento PGI: oversized lemons. Locally protected.

Practical info

• Best base: Sorrento (cheaper, gateway), Positano (instagram, expensive), Amalfi (central), Salerno (cheaper, train hub).
• Getting there: Fly Naples (NAP). Train Naples-Sorrento 1h Circumvesuviana €4. Then SITA bus/ferry.
• From Rome: Frecciarossa Rome-Naples 1h, then to coast.
• Best time: May-June, September-October. AVOID August (35-40°C, peak crowds).
• Budget: €150-250/day peak. €60-120 off-season. Hotels Positano €350+, Sorrento €100-180.
• Pre-book: ferries, accommodation 3+ months ahead summer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Best base on Amalfi Coast?

Sorrento (cheaper, gateway, more food). Positano (expensive, instagram-famous, romantic). Amalfi (central). Salerno (cheaper, train hub). Choose by budget + style.

How long do I need on Amalfi Coast?

Minimum 4 days for Positano + Amalfi + Ravello. Ideal 7 days with Capri day trip + Pompeii + relaxation. Don’t try in 1-2 days.

Best time to visit Amalfi Coast?

May-June, September-October. AVOID August (35-40°C heat, peak crowds). Easter to October open season. Many hotels close November-March.

Can I drive Amalfi Coast?

Possible but stressful. Narrow road, hairpins, expensive parking, traffic. Better: SITA bus or ferry between villages. Rent car only for day trips inland.

Capri or Positano better?

Different. Capri: island day trip, dramatic Faraglioni, Blue Grotto. Positano: cliffside village, instagram, more food. Most do both — Capri day trip from Positano/Sorrento.

Sentiero degli Dei worth it?

Absolutely. ‘Path of Gods’ 7.5 km hike Bomerano-Nocelle. 4 hours. Spectacular sea views. Free, no permit. Best done morning. Bus to start.

See also

• Best places Italy